We have now been constant cruising for a month. Wow-what a life-changing experience it has been. When you are planning the move, you have a vision. Well, I did of how our life would be once onboard. Luckily a lot of it has happened, and we are definitely living our dream. However, some areas have been challenging.
Trying to learn how everything works is definitely the most significant learning curve. Boat handovers are very sparse; I thought we would get a lot of information verbally, not just handed the 2 A4 folders and a basic show around. I started to try and make sense of lots of the information, but it’s not the easiest of things to learn. The electric side of boat living has been the most challenging part. The electrics on a boat do not work anything like in a house. If you have read the previous blogs, you will have seen I blew a fuse trying to use a washing machine and Ninja whilst travelling, which I will never do again as it has caused so much trouble and headaches.
My favourite part is meeting some amazingly friendly people. Most fellow boaters we have met have been so helpful, and I’ve loved chatting to them at locks and when we are hanging out on the back deck. Mexi, our dog to begin with, really did struggle. She is now much calmer, as we have found as long as she comes with me when doing the locks, she doesn’t fret. We now need to get her used to staying on board for a short while so we can nip out. I’m sure she will get there.
You do need to be organised regarding food as we found on the Ashby canal there are few shops close to the canal, luckily I had yeast so made our bread, it wasn’t bad I’m sure with more practice it will improve. Finding great farm shops has been a bonus as I love cooking and eating good food. I have even started to do a bit of foraging, and so far, so good, no poorly tummies. Also, regarding being organised, you need to plan to get water and get rid of the rubbish. CRT is very poor with recycling, which amazed me. I didn’t expect this.
The general house chores still crop up, but at least now it is all completed very quickly, and the biggest bonus is there have been very few items of clothes to iron. We definitely have enough clothes, if anything too many, as we tend to live in walking gear as it drys quickly and is comfortable. The steamer I bought on the boat has been used a few times and is an excellent kit.
I love going for morning walks with Mexi, and I have the area at the front as my little office comes den. Being with each other in a small, confined space can be challenging at times as everyone needs their own space, but I feel that we are coping quite well. You have to think sometimes and be more considerate of each other’s feelings, especially as it’s all new to you.
Steve is fantastic at steering the boat, thank goodness because I’m still extremely nervous but soon going to have a couple of hours lesson which I hope will increase my confidence. I love doing the locks and have managed to do the majority without any hitches.
We have found some lovely walks and beautiful villages to wander around and explore, which we would have never seen if we hadn’t moved onto the boat. The wildlife and birds are genuinely superb and have lived up to expectations.
Sleeping on a boat comes very quickly. I’ve never slept as peacefully, I think it’s a combination of fresh air and being more active, or the lovely log burner could be. As soon as I sit down in the evening with that glowing away, I’m gone.
I highly recommend finding out as much information regarding electrics and maintenance for anyone thinking of moving onto a boat. This is the only thing that has caused us headaches, plus it ensures you get an emergency pack of engine bits, i.e. fuses etc. Food-wise keep some par-baked bread and long-life milk as this is always aback up.
Never Two Late Our Journey 